How to Learn Singing “Sympathy for the Devil” from The Rolling Stones

How to Learn Singing “Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones

“Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock song with a unique vocal technique that adds a captivating intensity to the performance. In this article, we will explore how to learn and master singing this iconic song, highlighting the vocal technique used and providing practical advice along with relevant Singing Carrots resources.

The Vocal Technique: Belting

One of the notable vocal techniques used in “Sympathy for the Devil” is belting. Belting is a powerful singing technique that brings a strong, piercing quality to the voice. It is commonly used in rock and pop music to add intensity and emotion to a performance. Belting involves using the chest voice extensively and pushing the voice past its natural limits, resulting in a powerful and resonant sound.

In “Sympathy for the Devil,” Mick Jagger employs belting in the chorus to create the explosive and dynamic moments that define the song. This technique allows him to deliver the lyrics with an emotional punch, emphasizing the devilish character of the song.

Learning the Song

If you’re ready to learn and sing “Sympathy for the Devil,” here are some practical steps you can follow:

  1. Analyze Your Voice: Before diving into the song, it’s essential to understand your vocal range and voice type. Take Singing Carrots’ Vocal Range Test to determine your vocal range and compare it with famous singers to gain insights into your voice.
  2. Warm-up Your Voice: Start with Singing Carrots’ Pitch Training to warm up your voice and improve your pitch accuracy. This will help you prepare for the challenging vocal techniques used in “Sympathy for the Devil.”
  3. Listen and Study: Familiarize yourself with the original recording of “Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones. Pay close attention to the vocal technique used by Mick Jagger and the overall structure of the song.
  4. Break It Down: Divide the song into sections and work on mastering one section at a time. Focus on the challenging parts and practice them slowly until you feel comfortable.
  5. Use Vocal Exercises: Singing Carrots provides a variety of vocal exercises and warm-ups. Incorporate exercises that focus on building strength and control in your chest voice, such as the Singing Comfort Zone exercise.
  6. Practice with Intention: Practice regularly and with intention. Sing along with the original recording or use Singing Carrots’ Vocal Pitch Monitor to visualize your sung notes on a virtual piano and assess your accuracy.

Other Songs Utilizing Belting Technique

The belting technique used in “Sympathy for the Devil” can be found in many other popular songs. Here are a few examples:

  • “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
  • “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
  • “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
  • “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

Learning to sing “Sympathy for the Devil” is not only about mastering a single song but also about developing your vocal technique and expanding your repertoire. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and experimenting with your voice.

References:

  1. How to analyze your voice
  2. Contemporary vocal techniques: Heavy modal, Twang, Belting